Believe Quote by Benjamin Wittes
“Government lawyers, like private ones, face the problem routinely of aiding in the defense and development of positions in whose correctness they don't believe.”
About This Quote
Source Article: Law Review, 2019
Legal professionals sometimes defend positions they privately doubt, exposing a conflict between duty and personal belief.
In simple terms: Lawyers may argue for causes they don’t truly support.
Key Takeaway
Align advocacy with personal integrity.
Themes
ethics
law
conflict of interest
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
ethical
analytical
When to use this quote
- public policy
- legal strategy
Key Concepts
professional duty
moral psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Should lawyers disclose doubts about a case?
- How can the system protect integrity?
A Different Perspective
The tension can erode trust in legal institutions.
